Art Genre: Art Nouveau

As the 19th century was drawing to a close, graphic illustrators incorporated pattern, shape and design into their art. This major shift in approach to graphic design can be traced back to one artist, who died at the young age of 26.

In his relatively brief adulthood, he formulated a greatly individualistic articulation of the art nouveau aesthetic, which has drawn imitation from numerous artists throughout the 20th century.

Oscar Wilde advocated and patronized an assortment of artistic movements, methods and styles. He deeply regarded the practice of art as an end unto itself. He felt that assessing art by ethical or standards was a misguided notion.

He quickly became a polemical and substantial literary presence and remained so during his brief life. This was the certain artist chosen by Wilde to create the illustrations for a literary piece that was simultaneously avant garde and disturbing.

The tale was illustrated in fantastical patterns, sweeping lines, and eroticism somewhat threaterning in its design.

His work was made distinctive by a spectacular give and take between black and white. Wilde applied large borders of black to provide variance with dainty patterns frolicking on a surface of white.

Large, continuous, twisting curves create movement on his commonly asymmetrical page. The people depicted in the renderings are basic sketches, though items such as hair and garments are frequently quite detailed. The intriguing interplay and contrast beween the complicated and simple characterizes his work.

At the end of the 19th century imports from Japan were an inspiration for many designers as well as a revitalized study of medieval and early Renaissance art and decoration.

Many artists in both the United States and Europe have imitated the work of this young illustrator, and he became quite well-known as a direct result of his illustrations appearing in quite a few famous publications. Currently, a great deal of this art is available as reproduction prints and posters.

Poster art slowly grew from what was a commercial advertising medium into its very own art form at the end of the 19th century. During this time period, books were solely in black and white. However, posters had begun to be produced in color as well.

The leader in poster design used one sizable, bright, colorful, image to draw in the viewer. What text appeared on posters was as succinct as possible. The words were printed to discuss whatever occasion or product the poster was designed for.

He worked with powerful colors and simple shapes that were flat so that he would seize the viewers' attentions. Much like an Impressionist painting, his lines would be somewhat fractured and hesitant. This is considered to be the precursor of the classic art nouveau design poster.

The person who is credited with originating the proper art nouveau poster used stronger outlines and more billowing contours. One artist created work which is noted for graceful, young girls with long hair and draped clothing, spreading out into interesting, beautiful forms.

There was also a successful and famous art nouveau whose elegant posters featured rather narrow strips as well as a full length female figure. To make the intricate and detailed patterns of the time, the artists would draw from many sources including fold art, Arab and Moorish decoration, Hebrew lettering, Celtic motifs, Japanese wood cuts and Byzantine mosaics.

Books and reprints are available today for many of the turn-of-the-century artists. Additionally, dealers specializing in the sale of 1800's and early 1900's poster art exist.

Large international antique shows often feature these dealers. If you go, be ready to deal with prices from hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars for any original pieces that are in excellent condition.